NBA Western Power Rankings Week 6: Clippers start rising
By Tom West
Dec 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) attempts to save a ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
12th: Minnesota Timberwolves (9 points)
By Tom West
Record: 9-13
December record: 1-4
Around 10th place in the West is likely where the Timberwolves will hover this season. It will be a major development from last season after they finished at the bottom of the NBA with 16 wins, and with nine victories to their name already they’re on track to take a big step forward. For now, though, the 10th seed may well be the height of their potential for 2015-16.
That should excite the team and their patient fans. Unlike the 76ers who are tanking harder than ever and still haven’t even been able to play injured 2014 3rd overall pick Joel Embiid, the Timberwolves are clearly on the rise.
Andrew Wiggins is having a hard time finding his shooting range right now as he’s only making 26.8 percent of his threes, but aside from that, the young stars are in great shape. Karl-Anthony Towns has been everything you could hope for as a 1st overall draft pick with 15.3 points, 53.2 percent shooting, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks per game, and beyond-his-years skill. Zach LaVine has improved in every aspect of his game, which has equated to his 11.3 PER from last year reaching it’s current mark of 16.9. And as for Wiggins, well he’s up to 21 points per game and has improved his mid-range game and PER to 16.3.
They’re heading in the right direction and their young talent has done nothing but impress, so there are plenty of reasons for Timberwolves fans to be excited even if many wins aren’t coming just yet.
Next: Denver Nuggets